Dynamic gaming system

ABSTRACT

A gaming system for playing a game. The gaming system includes a relatively large, flat touch surface configured to accept projectiles. The relatively large flat surface is configured to act as a screen. A projection system is configured for projecting an image onto the surface and a detection system is configured to detect an impact on the surface. The detection system is positioned at a periphery of the surface. Projectiles are configured for directing toward and onto the surface. A currency acceptor is mounted proximate the surface. A controller is configured to control the projection system to display at least one of user interfaces, game play, attract mode and video onto the touch surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/790,992, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “Dynamic Gaming System,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current coin operated dart systems provide a single playing field and limited user interaction. This is driven by highly specialized dart detection systems that prevent multiple uses of the main play area. Such systems need separate display and input systems if they wish to provide user input and dynamic output. They are limited to only the forms of game play that the single playing field provides. They typically do not have capability to display an attract mode to encourage players to use the system.

It is desirable to design, construct and implement a gaming system that addresses the shortcomings of the conventional dart systems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a gaming system for playing a game. The gaming system includes a relatively large, flat touch surface that can accept projectiles. The relatively large flat touch surface is configured to act as a screen. A projection system if configured for projecting an image onto the touch surface and a detection system is configured to detect an impact on the touch surface. The detection system is positioned at a periphery of the touch surface. Projectiles are configured for directing toward and onto the touch surface. A currency acceptor is mounted proximate the touch surface. A controller is configured to control the projection system to display at least one of user interfaces, game play, attract mode and video.

The gaming system, which is preferably a dart system, of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a relatively large, flat touch surface that can accept both standard steel tip and rubber tip darts and other projectiles. The relatively large, flat touch surface preferably acts as a screen for a projection system. A detection system, which is preferably a touch or impact system, that works from the periphery of the relatively large flat touch surface has sufficient acuity to detect the presence of darts, other projectiles or a finger on the relatively large flat touch surface. A projection system preferably projects imagery or a visual display onto the relatively large, flat touch surface and preferably does not impede the path of the darts, projectiles and/or the user in contacting the relatively large, flat touch surface. A money or currency acceptance system and a computing system or controller capable of presenting user interfaces, game play, and attract mode videos are preferably included in the preferred gaming system.

The preferred system can project a dynamically configurable display onto the relatively large, flat touch surface which would include a standard dart board image, as well as other target oriented games, such as hitting a moving target, hitting a variety of targets, presenting a first person shooter environment, and other related and like games. The players preferably throw darts or hurl other projectiles at the projected image on the relatively large, flat touch surface to engage in game play. The system, preferably the controller, detects where the darts or projectiles land or hit the relatively large, flat touch surface and is spatially aware of where the target is located on the relatively large, flat touch surface to correlate the location of the impact or hit with the specific target(s) of the game. The controller processes the game play according to the particular targets of the game and the location of the impacts or hits.

When a game is not being played, the system, preferably the controller, can preferably project a menu that the players can interact with by touching the touch surface with their fingers. The player may alternatively interact with the preferred gaming system by a touchscreen display, an alternative user input board or buttons or otherwise, to direct the set-up of the game and other user interaction with the preferred game, as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art based upon a review of the present application. Interaction with the preferred system allows players to select different game play or to interact with the system in other ways, such as logging in to identify themselves or to manage tournament play. When a game is not being played and users are not interacting with the menu, the system is preferably able to use the relatively large touch surface to display an attract mode, which preferably comprises a variety of visuals designed to encourage players to use the system and play its games.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a dynamic gaming system floor unit in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a right-side elevational view of a first preferred embodiment of the dynamic gaming system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right-side elevational view of a second preferred embodiment of the dynamic gaming system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right-side elevational view of a dynamic gaming system wall unit in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a right-side elevational view of a dynamic gaming system wall unit in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The words “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” or “distally” and “outwardly” or “proximally” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center or orientation of the device and instruments and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in first and second preferred embodiments, the present invention is directed to a dynamic gaming system floor unit, generally designated 10 having a floor stand 6. The preferred floor unit dynamic gaming system 10 includes a relatively large, flat touch surface 1 supported by the floor stand 6, a computing unit 5 and a currency acceptor 2. A first preferred embodiment of the dynamic gaming system floor unit 10 includes a front projection unit, which preferably includes a main front projector 4 and an anti-shadow front projector 4 a, while a second preferred embodiment of the dynamic gaming system floor unit 10 includes a rear projector unit, which preferably includes a rear projector 4 b and a rear projector reflector 4 c.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, In third and fourth preferred embodiments, a dynamic gaming system wall unit, generally designated 20, is constructed as a wall unit for mounting or hanging to a wall and does not include the floor stand 6 of the first and second preferred embodiments. Otherwise, the components of the first and third preferred embodiments are similar and the components of the second and fourth preferred embodiments are similar. Accordingly, like reference numbers are utilized to describe like elements with a prime symbol (′) utilized to distinguish the components of the third and fourth preferred embodiments from the first and second preferred embodiments, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the touch surface 1, 1′ is preferably configured as a target at or onto which a user throws projectiles or darts and the touch surface 1, 1′ is preferably configured to receive and withstand the impacts by catching, retaining to receiving the darts or other projectiles 7. The touch surface 1, 1′ is also preferably configured for displaying projected images. The preferred surface 1, 1′ is constructed of a core of sturdy but pierce-able material covered in a reflective white cloth. The fiber of the cloth is of a sturdy enough material that is neither too dense to reject the tip of the preferred dart 7 nor too loose such that the tip of the dart 7 is not retained by the touch surface 1, 1′ after being impacted by the preferred dart 7. The preferred touch surface 1, 1′ is configured to withstand multiple hits of the preferred dart 7, without significant degradation that would inhibit game play. The touch surface 1, 1′ is not limited to being constructed of the described materials with the described properties and to including a while cloth. For example, the touch surface 1, 1′ may be constructed of a relatively hard, inelastic material that is unable to accept and hold the tip of the preferred dart 7, but rejects the dart 7 from the touch surface 1, 1′. The touch surface 1, 1′ may be comprised of a substantially hard, smooth polymeric material, wooden material or rock material that does not receive and retain the preferred dart 7. However, such touch surface 1, 1′ may facilitate projection of images thereon and the preferred units 10, 20 may detect locations on the touch surface 1, 1′ where projectiles 7 impact the touch surface 1, 1′ for recordation and scoring of various games, as will be described in greater detail below.

The preferred gaming units 10, 20 include a location for money acceptance or a currency acceptor 2, 2′ and also provide sufficient space for a computing unit or controller 5, 5′. In the preferred embodiments, the currency acceptor 2, 2′ and the controller 5, 5′ are located on or within a shelf 5 a, 5 a′ that extends from below the touch surface 1, 1′. The preferred currency acceptor 2, 2′ may be comprised of coin mechanisms, bill acceptors, credit card readers, scanners and the like to allow for the payment to initiate and/or extend game play and the identification of players. The shelf 5 a, 5 a′ is a preferred, convenient area to house the controller 5, 5′ that provides the operational functionality and the currently acceptor 2, 2′. The controller 5, 5′ unit is preferably a fully operational computing system capable of game play management and display, user management, network connectivity, and operator functionality (such as money collection data, diagnostics, settings, etc.). The currency acceptor 2, 2′ and the controller 5, 5′ are not limited to being positioned on or stored in the shelf 5 a, 5 a′ and may be otherwise positioned in, on or separated from the shelf 5 a, 5 a′ and other related parts of the preferred units 10, 20. For example, the currency acceptor 2, 2′ may be positioned on the floor stand 6 of the first and second preferred embodiments, may be positioned on or as a part of the controller 5, 5′ or may be otherwise arranged and/or positioned. In addition, the controller 5, 5′ is not limited to being housed or positioned in or on the shelf 5 a, 5 a′ and may be positioned or secured nearly anywhere in, on or near the units 10, 20 in order to control the preferred units 10, 20, as is described in greater detail below.

A touch/hit detection system 3, 3′ is preferably mounted at the periphery of the play surface 1, 1′. This placement allows the preferred system 10, 20 to be placed in a protective housing 3 a so that the touch/hit detection system 3, 3′ is substantially protected from being damaged by errant darts or other projectiles 7, for example, by being struck by one of the projectiles 7 or by impacts from users during game play, moving the preferred units 10, 20 or other outside factors. The preferred embodiment of the touch/hit detection system 3, 3′ is comprised of a frame based system that projects an interruptible beam across the face of the surface 1, 1′. The interruption of the beam indicates the presence of the dart 7, another projectile, a finger or other object near the surface 1, 1′. The touch/hit detection system 3, 3′ is able to detect the location of the strike on the touch surface 1 based on the interruption of the beam, which sends a signal to the controller 5. The controller 5 is able to provide feedback, scoring or otherwise make game determinations related to the game based on the location of the strike.

The projection system 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4′, 4 a′, 4 b′, 4 c′ is used to display the play image, user menu, attract imagery and other like images, videos or displays onto the play surface 1, 1′. The preferred embodiments include a front projection system with the main front projector 4, 4′ and the anti-shadow front projector 4 a, 4 a′ and a rear projection system includes the rear projector 4 b, 4 b′ and the rear projector reflector 4 c, 4 c′. The projection system 4, 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4′, 4 a′, 4 b′, 4 c′ is not limited to these two exemplary embodiments and may be comprised of a single projector (not shown), but similar to the main front projector 4, 4′ mounted in a soffit located just above the play surface 1, 1′. The anti-shadow front projector 4 a, 4 a′ preferably projects the same play image from a separate angle than the main front projector 4, 4′ to minimize the negative effect that shadows cast by the darts 7 or other projectiles may have on game play. When the display surface 1, 1′ is transmissive, the rear projector 4 b, 4 b′ can be positioned so that shadows preferably do not interfere with the display 1, 1′. By using the reflective rear projection surface 4 c, 4 c′, the profile of the system 10, 20 can be kept as slim as possible.

In an alternative embodiment, the surface 1, 1′ may be comprised of a display, as opposed to a projection based system. The visual on the surface 1, 1′ of this alternative embodiment is preferably created by a display, screen or touchscreen that has a protective clear surface protecting it. Darts 7 or other projectiles are thrown directly at this display or screen. This clear surface captures the dart 7 or registers a hit on the display screen or touch surface 1, 1′ and registers its position. The touch surface, display or touchscreen 1, l′ sends a signal to the computing system 5 related to the position of the strike or hit and the computing system or controller 5 provides feedback to the user related to how the hit or impact relates to the game being played.

In operation, upon starting, the system 10, 20 preferably goes through an initialization processes similar to those in coin operated counter-top game units. The preferred system 10, 20 then preferably presents a menu on the surface 1, 1′ that allows for game selection, player identification, and other user interaction. Players can use this menu to select the game that they want to play and get information about how much play credit is available, what the cost of play is for the various games to be played, player rankings, etc. When the system 10, 20, preferably the controller 5, 5′, has been instructed to start game play, the system 10, 20 then replaces the menu display on the game play surface 1, 1′ and directs players to throw their darts 7 or other projectiles. The system 10, 20 manages the detection of throws, awarding of points, player turns, game flow and other related or like tasks.

Upon completion of game play, the system 10, 20 preferably presents the scores as well as rankings and other end-of-game data (personal best, system records, etc.). The players have an opportunity to interact with the system 10, 20 at this point so that the data can be recorded for uses such as high score, tournament play, team score, etc. The preferred system 10, 20 will preferably keep track of the amount of time it is idle (not in use). When sufficient idle time has passed, the system 10, 20 preferably changes the display on the surface 1, 1′ to an attract mode. This is preferably a sequence of images and videos that are designed to attract players to come and use the system 10, 20.

The system 10, 20 also provides a service mode for the operator. The operator can have the system 10, 20 enter this service mode and allow for money collection, system diagnostics, settings modifications, and other like services.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the present disclosure. 

We claim:
 1. A gaming system for playing a game, the gaming system comprising: a substantially flat touch surface configured to accept projectiles, the touch surface configured to act as a screen; a projection system configured for projecting an image onto the touch surface; a detection system configured to detect an impact on the touch surface, the detection system positioned at a periphery of the touch surface; projectiles for directing toward and onto the touch surface; a currency acceptor mounted proximate the touch surface; and a controller configured to control the projection system to display at least one of user interfaces, game play, attract mode and video on the touch surface.
 2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the projection system is comprised of a front projection system including a front projector and an anti-shadow projector.
 3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the projection system is comprised of a rear projection system including a rear projector and a reflector.
 4. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising: a floor stand supporting the touch surface.
 5. A gaming system for playing a game, the gaming system comprising: a substantially flat touch surface configured to accept projectiles, the touch surface configured to act as a screen; a projection system configured for projecting an image onto the touch surface, the projection system including a main front projector and an anti-shadow front projector; a detection system configured to detect an impact on the touch surface, the detection system positioned at a periphery of the touch surface; projectiles for directing toward and onto the touch surface; a currency acceptor mounted proximate the touch surface; and a controller configured to control the projection system to display at least one of user interfaces, game play, attract mode and video on the touch surface.
 6. The gaming system of claim 5, wherein the touch surface, projection system, detection system, currency acceptor and controller are mounted on a floor stand.
 7. The gaming system of claim 5, wherein the detection system is mounted in a protective housing, such that the projectiles are generally unable to contact the detection system during game play.
 8. The gaming system of claim 5, wherein the touch surface is constructed of a core of sturdy, pierce-able material covered in a reflective white cloth.
 9. The gaming system of claim 5, wherein the projectiles are comprised of darts.
 10. The gaming system of claim 5, wherein the main front projector is mounted in a soffit proximate a front of the touch surface.
 11. The gaming system of claim 5, further comprising: a shelf extending forwardly proximate a front of the touch surface, the currency acceptor and the controller located within the shelf.
 12. The gaming system of claim 11, wherein the anti-shadow front projector is mounted to the shelf.
 13. A gaming system for playing a game, the gaming system comprising: a substantially flat touch surface configured to accept projectiles, the touch surface configured to act as a screen; a projection system configured for projecting an image onto the touch surface, the projection system including a rear projector and a reflector mounted behind the touch surface; a detection system configured to detect an impact on the touch surface, the detection system positioned at a periphery of the touch surface; projectiles for directing toward and onto the touch surface; a currency acceptor mounted proximate the touch surface; and a controller configured to control the projection system to display at least one of user interfaces, game play, attract mode and video on the touch surface.
 14. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the rear projector is mounted proximate a lower portion of the touch surface and projects an image onto the reflector, which reflects image onto a rear surface of the touch surface.
 15. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the touch surface and the reflector having substantially the same height.
 16. The gaming system of claim 13, further comprising: a shelf extending forwardly proximate a lower end of the touch surface.
 17. The gaming system of claim 16, wherein the controller is mounted within the shelf.
 18. The gaming system of claim 13, further comprising: a floor stand supporting the touch surface, the projection system, the detection system, the currency acceptor and the controller.
 19. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the projectiles are comprised of darts. 